Pepe Reina eagerly anticipates San Siro debut

CARSON, CA - JULY 25: Goalkeeper Jose Reina #25 of AC Milan watches as a shot gets past him and into the net for a goal during the penalty shootout against Manchester United in the International Champions Cup 2018 match at StubHub Center on July 25, 2018 in Carson, California. Manchester United defeated AC Milan 9-8 on penalties after playing to a 1-1 regulation draw. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

In an interview with the Italian news outlet Calciomercato, AC Milan second-choice goalkeeper Pepe Reina explained his feelings ahead of the Europa League clash with Olympiacos and his anticipated debut at the Stadio San Siro.

The 36-year-old shot-stopper arrived at the ranks of the Rossoneri this summer after his contract with Napoli ran down. Although Gianluigi Donnarumma has his place cemented for all Serie A matches, the former Liverpool man will be the one to perform in the Europa League.

In Milan’s narrow 1-0 win over Dudelange on the opening matchday, Reinawas the one to stand between the posts, but a match at the San Siro provides a whole another perspective.

Arsenal came back from a goal down to secure their place in the next round of the Europa League.

“Important, I have experienced it as an opponent many times. Each player likes to play at San Siro, I can not wait to get on the pitch and give everything to make it a good match. We hope to succeed in winning,” he said.

The experienced goalkeeper also compared his life in Lombardy to his previous experience in Naples.

“I still have to live in the north, but it is similar to northern Spain. Time invites you to stay at home, to have a more peaceful life, with the blanket and the movie. In the south you throw yourself on the street right away, it takes very little. Milan is a more organized, quieter city with less chaos. But even in the chaos of Naples, I felt at ease. I miss some things about Naples.”